MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (July 25, 2013) – HomeServices Lending LLC, a joint venture with Wells Fargo, today announced plans to transition to become a wholly-owned subsidiary of HomeServices of America, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. The transition work has been underway for some time, and is expected to conclude in 2014.

“HomeServices is a world-class company with an expansive and aggressive growth strategy,” said Todd Johnson, president of HomeServices Lending. “Wells Fargo has been a great partner for many years, and we look forward to working together in the future, but we felt that a wholly-owned model better fits our long-term strategy.”

The change in ownership structure does not impact HomeServices Lending’s current operations or organization. HomeServices Lending home mortgage consultants, along with their extensive staff of processors, closers and underwriters will continue their long-standing mission of serving customers with mortgage financing as they do today. The decision to move to a wholly-owned subsidiary strategically aligns with HomeServices of America’s growth strategy, and supports its business model of providing buyers and sellers with fully integrated home ownership services.

“This represents an important event in the continued growth of HomeServices,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices of America. “Our mission is to provide an exceptional customer experience throughout the home transaction process. Owning and operating the lending portion of our business provides us with tremendous flexibility as we continue to build HomeServices into a global organization.”

IRVINE, Calif. – Prudential Real Estate, an HSF Affiliates LLC company, today announced that the Prudential Real Estate affiliate network ranked highest for customer satisfaction in three of the four segments included in J.D. Power and Associates’ annual Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study. The network scored highest in Repeat Home Buyer, First-Time Home Buyer, and First-Time Home Seller categories. It ranked third in the Repeat Home Seller segment.

The sixth annual study measures customer satisfaction among the nation’s largest real estate brokerage companies. Overall satisfaction is gauged across four factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson, real estate office, closing process, and variety of additional services. Seller satisfaction is evaluated through the same four factors plus marketing.

Among repeat home buyers, Prudential Real Estate scored 829 on a 1,000-point scale, performing particularly well in agent/sales person, variety of additional services and closing process. The network tallied 811 points among first-time home buyers, showing strength in all factors. Prudential Real Estate scored 809 points in the First-Time Home-Seller segment, drawing strong marks for marketing and closing process. This represents the third time in six years Prudential Real Estate ranked highest in seller satisfaction including recognition in 2008 and 2010.

Lee added that the Prudential Real Estate network enjoys one of the industry’s highest average selling prices and that its agents stand out as local-market experts. “Affiliate to affiliate, Prudential Real Estate sales professionals have a strong work ethic and drive for client satisfaction. These prestigious awards further underscore our agents’ success and the quality of our network.”

Among other survey findings:

First-time home buyers and sellers are most influenced by a company’s good reputation and the recommendations they receive from friends, family and colleagues.

More than one-third (35%) of first-time home buyers and 27% of first-time sellers indicate they selected their real estate company based on its reputation.

28% of first-time home buyers and 27% of first-time sellers selected their company based on recommendations.

Suggesting better times in residential real estate, the percentage of first-time home sellers increased to 44% in 2013 from 30% in 2012.

The percentage of first-time home buyers also increased significantly, 49% in 2013 vs. 40% a year ago.

The 2013 Home Buyer/Seller Study includes 4,371 evaluations from 3,930 respondents who bought or sold a home between March 2012 and April 2013.

About Prudential Real Estate and HSF Affiliates LLC

Prudential Real Estate is a part of the HSF Affiliates LLC real estate brokerage family, which includes Real Living Real Estate and the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand available later in 2013. Prudential Real Estate franchisees are independently owned and operated.

HSF Affiliates LLC, based in Irvine, Calif., is a joint venture of HomeServices of America and Brookfield Asset Management.

Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities and are used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential.

About J.D. Power & Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit jdpower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

SAN DIEGO (June 17, 2013) — Southern California real estate powerhouse Prudential California Realty, one of the nation’s largest residential brokerages, has added one of the world’s top-selling real estate groups, the McMonigle Team, to its growing Orange County team. Headed by John McMonigle, the McMonigle Team will be based in Prudential’s Newport Beach office.

“For years, the McMonigle brand has been synonymous with top performing luxury-home sales – here and around the globe,” said David M. Cabot, president and chief executive officer at Prudential California Realty. “The McMonigle Team’s extensive experience in selling luxury real estate in some of the most desirable Orange County communities is a great enhancement to our group of high-performing agents in this area.”

Having represented the sale of more than $4 billion in luxury homes over the past ten years, the McMonigle Team is a world leader in the real estate industry. The team currently holds the record for sales of a single residential property in Orange County at just under $40 million. Well-known as one of the country’s leading real estate experts, John was featured on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2009, where he discussed Orange County real estate trends. John and his team will be based in Newport Beach, but will continue to represent clients throughout Orange County. The McMonigle Team also has representatives in the Los Angeles area.

“The addition of the McMonigle Team immediately increases our growing market share in Orange County,” said Leeann Iacino, chief operating office at Prudential California Realty. “This is an exciting time for luxury real estate home sales in Orange County, and the McMonigle Team will be an integral part of continuing our growth.”

With over 3,200 sales associates in more than 62 offices across Southern California and the Central Coast, Prudential California Realty is one of the top five brokerages in the nation. In 2012, agents of the firm, one of the largest companies in the Prudential Real Estate International network, closed nearly $11 billion in sales volume and well over 14,000 transactions. Prudential California Realty is proud to be a member of HomeServices of America Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.

Tucson, Ariz.-based Long Realty has a sleek new consumer-facing mobile app for Android, iPhone and iPad that surfaces data from multiple listing services (MLS) including information typically reserved for agents like details about recently sold homes.

Brokerages can typically share MLS data associated with active listings with consumers freely on their websites and mobile applications.

But to share more in-depth MLS data like recently sold homes, price changes and pending sales, they need to set up virtual office website (VOW) agreements with the MLSs they work with, and have consumers follow a registration process.

Long Realty, a HomeServices of America company, wanted VOW data in the app so it could compete with some of the other popular mobile offerings in the real estate space, said Kevin Kaplan, vice president of marketing and technology at Long Realty.

“It was important for us because Zillow has sold data,” he said.

Third-party listing portals like Zillow and Trulia typically rely on public records from county assessors for information on past sales, which can lag by weeks or months.

ROCKVILLE, MD (May 13, 2013) —MRIS, the industry-leading Mid-Atlantic Multiple Listing Service (MLS) that facilitates nearly $103 million a day in real estate transactions, is pleased to announce that Jon Coile will serve as the 2013 Chairman for its Board of Directors. Coile succeeds industry veteran Thomas M. Stevens, who guided MRIS for the past term, and will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.

Coile is CEO of Champion Realty, Inc., the Maryland partner company of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. He began his career a real estate agent in Severna Park, Maryland. He brings over 25 years of residential and commercial sales, leasing, mortgage, title, insurance, relocation, property management, information technology, accounting and finance experience to MRIS’s Board. Coile recently served as Vice Chair on the MRIS Executive Committee and has been on the MRIS Investment Committee since 2007. He was a member of the MRIS Board of Directors from 2001-2005 and, again, since 2010.

Through the advisory leadership of Coile, MRIS will be focused on expanding its footprint, delivering innovative products to real estate professionals and educating consumers on the importance of accurate, real time local listing information.

“I’m very excited and optimistic for the productivity of the entire Board of Directors. It features a diverse group of real estate industry veterans who are deeply and actively engaged in the business” Coile explains. “We have a more comprehensive understanding of what MRIS customers really need because we are customers as well. The Board represents the full range from “boutique” offices to the largest company in the MRIS market. ”

As an outgrowth of the company’s formal strategic restructure last year, a newly configured MRIS Board now has sixteen members, including four new members, Dean Cottrill of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Melanie Thompson of Century 21 Adventure Redwood, Christine M. Todd of Northern Virginia Association of REALTORS®, and David Charron, MRIS President & CEO. Previously the Board had twenty-one members but has transitioned to having a smaller and, thus, more focused group of industry experts and leaders to quickly anticipate and then craft solutions to marketplace trends, developments and needs.

In addition to Coile, the MRIS Executive Committee includes Gilbert D. Marsiglia, Sr. of Gilbert D. Marsiglia & Co. Inc., Cindy Ariosa of Long & Foster and Boyd J. Campbell of Century 21 Home Center.

“In celebrating our 20th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to evaluate, innovate and bring more tangible value to our stakeholders and customers around the Mid-Atlantic region,” said MRIS President & CEO David Charron. “I am honored to join the Board and look forward to working with Jon to continue on the path of ensuring the relevance of MRIS under the guidance of many of the industry’s most forward-thinking and customer-centric leaders.”

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. (MRIS) celebrates 20 years of Real Estate in Real Time™. We’re a leading provider of real estate information technology and services, and are frequently ranked among the most productive Multiple Listing Services (MLS) in the nation, facilitating over $38 billion in system wide sales in 2012. In its core market, MRIS supports over 43,000 real estate professionals spanning the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C. and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. MRIS provides a portfolio of technology solutions and proprietary databases for real estate professionals, as well as broker and agent software products and an industry-leading consumer portal, MRIShomes.com (formerly HomesDatabase). In addition, the CURE Solutions Group, a subsidiary of MRIS, provides proprietary back-end technology to other MLS systems, which serves nearly 150,000 customers each day. Visit MRIS at MRIS.com and our web based TV station, mrisTV.com. “Like” us on Facebook/MRISonFB, follow us on Twitter, @MRIS_REal_News and be sure to visit MRISblog.com for real-time news and company updates.

MINNEAPOLIS (March 19, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, today announced the acquisition of Prudential Georgia Realty, one of Atlanta’s largest and most respected residential real estate brokerage firms.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service independent residential real estate brokerage firm and one of the largest brokerage-owned settlement services provider in the U.S. In October 2012, HomeServices became the majority owner in HSF Affiliates LLC, which operates the Prudential Real Estate franchise network and will launch Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices—a new real estate franchise brand.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Prudential Georgia serves the greater metro area of Atlanta, with nearly 1,000 sales associates and 20 offices and has ranked No. 1 in homes sold, transactions, and total units, listing sales, buyer sales and current inventory since 2009. Under the new structure, Prudential Georgia Realty retains its name and remains a flagship franchisee of Prudential Real Estate’s U.S. network. Prudential Georgia Realty will rebrand to the new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices when it becomes available later in 2013.

This acquisition represents an expansion of HomeServices’ footprint in the Atlanta market along with Harry Norman Realtors®, which HomeServices acquired in 2006. With this transaction, HomeServices has 28 brands and more than 17,000 real estate professionals operating in 21 states. HomeServices’ growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their communities and long-standing traditions for excellence.

Dan Forsman, CEO, is renowned for his exemplary leadership skills and is recognized throughout the real estate community for his extensive professional contributions. Forsman will continue in his current role running the day-to-day operations along with the executive leadership team and Managing Brokers.

“Prudential Georgia Realty is among the leading real estate companies in the U.S. and closely aligns with our corporate vision and our emphasis on customer value and results,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Dan’s leadership and uncompromising commitment to his agents, employees and customers has guided Prudential Georgia Realty to its position as one of the largest companies within the Prudential network.”

“This transaction makes Prudential Georgia Realty an even stronger organization,” adds Forsman. “By joining forces with HomeServices, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients throughout Atlanta.”

“Dan is an accomplished leader and I look forward to having him and his team join the HomeServices network of companies,” Peltier said.

“We are excited to introduce the new brand logo, quality seal and color palette to our affiliate network and to the industry,” said Earl Lee, CEO of HSF Affiliates LLC. “The Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand identity is smart, distinctive and versatile for all markets and price ranges.”

“The look and feel of the brand embodies the spirit of Berkshire Hathaway and captures our commitment to quality,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “The new Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices logo exemplifies strength and elegance, and we are proud to carry it into the marketplace.”

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices will be available in late 2013.
HSF Affiliates is led by an experienced management team including Earl Lee, CEO; Stephen Phillips, chief operating officer and Brian Peterson, chief financial officer. Information about Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices is available at www.homeservices.com/hsfaffiliates.

About HSF Affiliates LLC
Based in Irvine, Calif., HSF Affiliates LLC operates the Prudential Real Estate and Real Living Real Estate franchise networks and the future Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. The company is a joint venture between HomeServices of America, Inc., the nation’s second-largest, full-service residential brokerage firm, and Brookfield Asset Management, a leading provider of real estate and relocation services, technology and knowledge.
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(Tucson, AZ, Feb 4, 2013) Long Realty is excited to announce the Second Annual “Why I Love Arizona” Photo Contest beginning February 4th, 2013. Photographers across the state are encouraged to support the Long Realty Cares Foundation by submitting photos and sharing why they love Arizona.

“This competition is a great way to support and celebrate the beauty of Arizona while encouraging positive community involvement,” says Rosey Koberlein, CEO of Long Companies. “A strong sense of community is important to Long Realty and we brought this contest back to continue an outlet for our neighbors to show their Arizona pride.”

This contest is open to everyone and the only requirement is that photographers should aim to capture a unique photo that encompasses Arizona’s magnificence. Photos can be submitted online from February 4 to February 22 and public online voting starts March 11. The winners will be announced in April 2013. The photo with the most votes in each category will win a prize from the category sponsor and the overall winner will receive a grand prize of $1,926.

Nearly 1,000 photos were submitted to the contest in 2011. Long Realty expects to surpass that number in 2013, as $1 will be donated to the Long Realty Cares Foundation for every photo that is submitted. Since the Long Realty Cares Foundation was created 10 years ago, the organization has raised more than 2 million dollars for over 170 Arizona charities.

The last competition saw more than 35,000 online votes cast throughout the contest. With 10 different categories, photographers of all skill levels have the opportunity to submit a winning photo.

This year’s media sponsors include KVOA, Clear Channel Radio and the Arizona Daily Star. Other sponsors include the University of Arizona, Cherry Landscaping, Cirrus Visual Communications, COX Communications, Horizon Moving Systems, Rancho Sahuarita and Truly Nolen.

For a full list of categories and contest details, visit www.whyilovearizona.com.

Minneapolis, Minn. (Jan. 28, 2013) – HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, announced today that Blue Springs, Mo.-based Prudential Gaslight Realtors is joining the HomeServices of America family of companies. Effective immediately, Prudential Gaslight Realtors will be rebranded Prudential KC Realty to position the company for regional growth in Kansas and Missouri.

The acquisition and name change furthers HomeServices’ goal of deepening the real estate footprint within the greater Kansas City market and surrounding communities and reinforces the stability and financial strength of HomeServices. Reece and Nichols Realtors, Kansas City’s long-standing residential real estate leader, also is a HomeServices real estate brokerage.

“The acquisition of Prudential Gaslight Realtors and the immediate name change to Prudential KC Realty expands our presence in the Kansas City region,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “Our goal is to grow HomeServices’ brands through the ongoing sales and marketing process, as well as through strategic acquisitions similar to this one.”

“We are very proud to be a part of HomeServices of America,” noted Wayne Minear, previous Broker/Owner at Prudential Gaslight Realtors. “We are joining an organization consistent with our high standards of service and integrity, making this a win/win for our customers and our associates.”

According to Stan Klinksick, previous Broker/Owner at Prudential Gaslight Realtors, “By joining forces with HomeServices and rebranding Gaslight to Prudential KC Realty, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the needs of our new and existing clients throughout the Kansas City region. With more than 90 percent of today’s homebuyers starting their home search online, the new PKCRealty.com website that will launch in early February will offer easy property search and mobile convenience.”

“We are delighted to expand our services in Kansas City,” Peltier said. “And we continue to look for additional opportunities, both here and throughout other major markets in the U.S.”

Headquartered in Fresno, Guarantee serves central California with more than 400 sales associates in 13 offices located in Fresno, Clovis, Prather, Shaver Lake, Reedley, Kingsburg, Dinuba and Visalia. Guarantee has held the No. 1 market share for more than 20 years and, in 2011, closed more than 3,700 units and $634 million of volume.

Originally founded in 1919, Guarantee has a long-standing reputation for providing clients with the highest level of customer service, expertise and resources. As co-chairmen, Joan Eaton and Paul Gibson will remain in their current roles leading strategic planning and growth initiatives and J. Scott Leonard will continue in his role as president and CEO. Together, they will continue to manage the day-to-day operations along with their sales management and leadership teams. The three have been widely recognized for both their community involvement and their leadership.

HomeServices is the second-largest, full-service residential real estate brokerage firm and the largest brokerage-owned settlement services provider in the U.S. The acquisition represents HomeServices’ expansion of their presence in California and their entry into the Fresno market. With this acquisition, HomeServices has 27 brands and more than 16,000 real estate professionals operating in 21 states. In 2012, HomeServices closed nearly $42 billion in sales volume, over 145,000 transactions and closed approximately $4 billion in home mortgages. HomeServices’ growth strategy focuses on identifying market-leading companies that have established deep and enduring reputations within their community and long-standing traditions for excellence.

“This transaction makes one of the premier firms in central California an even stronger organization,” added Leonard. “By joining forces with HomeServices, we will be unmatched in our ability to serve the real estate needs of new and existing clients in the Fresno area.”“Guarantee has been a valued partner to HomeServices within the Realty Alliance, and through the years, we have shared many ideas and successes. They are a strong company with an excellent reputation in a growth market,” said Ron Peltier, chairman and CEO of HomeServices. “This transaction aligns with our vision of acquiring distinguished companies in leading markets that share our core values.”

“We are proud to be part of HomeServices of America,” noted Eaton. “We are joining an organization known for its strength and stability; one that is consistent with our high standards of service, integrity and community involvement, making this a win/win for our customers and our brokers.”

“We are excited to be in Fresno and are looking forward to having Scott, Joan, Paul and their teams join the HomeServices family,” concluded Peltier.